How to turn your Android phone into a Wi-Fi hot spot

Picture this scenario: You’re at your favorite coffee shop or café, about to dive into serious work on your laptop. But wait, the Wi-Fi there is as unpredictable as the weather, and using public Wi-Fi can be risky and not always secure. 

So what do you do?

If your phone has internet access, it’s a breeze to turn your Android into a Wi-Fi hot spot for your laptop or anyone else who needs a stable connection. Here’s how to get started:

CLICK TO GET KURT’S FREE CYBERGUY NEWSLETTER WITH SECURITY ALERTS, QUICK VIDEO TIPS, TECH REVIEWS AND EASY HOW-TO’S TO MAKE YOU SMARTER

Android phone. (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)

How to turn your Android into a Wi-Fi hot spot

Settings may vary depending on your Android phone’s manufacturer. 

• Navigate to your phone’s Settings
• Tap Connections
• Then tap Mobile Hot spot and Tethering
• Toggle ON the switch next to Mobile Hot Spot

AVOID PUBLIC WI-FI BY USING YOUR IPHONE AS A HOT SPOT

Steps to turn your Android into a Wi-Fi hot spot. (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)

MORE: TOP ANDROID PHONES OF 2024

• Then, If you’re connected to Wi-Fi, go ahead and tap Turn off
• Tap Mobile Hot Spot again
• Tap Configure or something similar that allows you to customize your Network name and Password. This way, you won't have to worry about strangers accessing your Wi-Fi

Steps to turn your Android into a Wi-Fi hot spot. (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)

MORE: BEST ACCESSORIES FOR YOUR PHONE

• Press Save when you’re done
• Tap on Configure again
• Then tap on Advanced

Steps to turn your Android into a Wi-Fi hot spot. ( Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)

• Scroll down, select Wi-Fi sharing, and tap OK to begin sharing your hot spot with other people and devices

GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO BY CLICKING HERE

Steps to turn your Android into a Wi-Fi hot spot. (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)

This little trick can be a lifesaver. Say you’re at a hotel, and they charge an arm and a leg for Wi-Fi per device. With Wi-Fi sharing, you pay for one and spread the love to all your gadgets. Or, if you’re already on a Wi-Fi network, you can use Wi-Fi sharing to let others tap into both cellular and Wi-Fi options at once. However, it’s important to note that while these methods can help you share a Wi-Fi connection, they may not work in all situations. Some hotels or other locations may have systems in place to prevent such sharing.

MORE: CELLPHONE BOOSTERS VS HOT SPOTS: WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE AND HOW DO YOU CHOOSE?

Kurt's key takeaways

Turning your Android into a Wi-Fi hot spot is not just about staying connected; it’s about making the most of your devices and your time. Whether you’re dodging the Wi-Fi fees at a hotel, want to avoid public Wi-Fi or just helping a friend out at a cafe, this nifty feature is your ticket to a hassle-free, secure connection. So, the next time the Wi-Fi isn't stable or secure, remember, your Android has your back.

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

What situations would you most likely find using your Android as a hot spot useful? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact

For more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Cyberguy.com/Newsletter

Ask Kurt a question or let us know what stories you'd like us to cover.

Answers to the most-asked CyberGuy questions:

• What is the best way to protect your Mac, Windows, iPhone and Android devices from getting hacked?
• What is the best way to stay private, secure and anonymous while browsing the web?
• How can I get rid of robocalls with apps and data removal services?

Copyright 2024 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.